2025 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with dimensions that were notably larger and a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It featured square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a fresh look compared to the older CX-5. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, thanks to all-terrain tires and distinctive styling elements. Despite its rugged appearance, the CX-50 didn't enhance off-road capabilities beyond other trims, but it did offer an earthy color palette and a well-designed interior with impressive material quality.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 leaned into SUV toughness with a large, textured grille and prominent styling elements that made it appear more like a facelift than a complete redesign. It offered three trim levels, with higher trims featuring advanced lighting options. The Q5 was available in both standard SUV and Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant added sporty elements and larger wheels, while the interior design focused on piling on details for a distinctive look. Despite some discordant design choices, the materials were top-notch, and the Q5 offered a range of luxurious features.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with various driving modes. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for spirited driving.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 offered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from their performance. The Q5's air suspension provided capable handling, balancing damping and body control, but it didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 also offered off-road modes, but it was more suited to dirt roads than challenging trails.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors in cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the interior lacked rugged features to match the Meridian Edition's exterior. The layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate space compared to rivals. It featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat and increased cargo space, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some competitors but less than others. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with higher trims adding more luxury features. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some rivals.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, rather than a touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims added features like wireless phone charging and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, making it suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a third screen available on the top trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was easy to use, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. The Q5 also included a head-up display and Dynamic Interaction Light for additional driver cues, along with digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but Audi aimed to match the previous model's five-star overall safety rating.